Making a Difference Together
Challenge Poverty Week 2 - 8 October 2023
Introduction
The issue of poverty is one that affects far too many individuals across Scotland, with a staggering 250,000 children among those whose life opportunities are drastically reduced due to this preventable injustice. In the face of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and the current cost of living crisis, the number of people struggling to access sufficient incomes for a dignified life is escalating. The situation is further exacerbated by our social security system’s shortcomings and structural problems within our labour market. With the climate emergency disproportionately impacting those living on low incomes, the trajectory of poverty seems to be on an upward trend. Consequently, our collective voice against poverty has never been more essential.
Key Policy Asks
Each year, Challenge Poverty Week focuses on key policy asks that aim to liberate people from the constraints of poverty. These policies translate our shared values of justice and compassion into action, emphasising to our politicians the necessary steps to build a Scotland free from poverty. GALE is fully supportive of this campaign and will blog each day this week, spotlighting that day’s key policy. You can show your support by sharing our content from here or via social media channels.
Food
A Scotland Where No One Goes Hungry.
What is The Poverty Alliance Calling for?
They are advocating for dignified access to high-quality, healthy, and sustainable food for everyone.
How do we get there?
- Improve dignified and ‘csh first’ food insecurity responses, including boosting the value and administrative responsiveness of the Scottish Welfare Fund.
- Support wellbeing through community food approaches, including community growing; community food hubs; community larders and meals.
- Supermarkets should commit to setting the lowest prices, including cutting prices, on key basic food items, including past, bread and milk to reduce the costs of essentials.
What has GALE been doing?
The notion of “paying it forward” is far from new. This domino-like phenomenon, where a single act of kindness creates a chain reaction of generosity, has been around since ancient times. Our community has been practicing this during our “Pay What You Can” initiative, which ran from January through March 2023. Funded initially by a £1260 grant from the Highland Council Cost of Living Support Fund, The GALE Community Cafe offered everyone the chance to “Pay What You Can” for food and drink. Many generous individuals paid more than our regular menu prices, enabling us to continue the scheme this winter.
We firmly believe that one good deed deserves another, and we are asking our community to ‘Pay It Forward’ to help others as the cost of living crisis persists. If you’d like to “Pay It Forward”, simply tell your server when you pay your bill or visit our donation page. Let’s keep this chain reaction of kindness going and together, we can build a Scotland free from poverty.
Text / SMS donations
To donate £1, text JIAJ09 to 70201
To donate £3, text JIAJ09 to 70331
To donate £5, text JIAJ09 to 70970
To donate £10, text JIAJ09 to 70191
Conclusion
As we continue to navigate these challenging times, it is clear that unity, compassion, and collective action are more important than ever. We must all come together to support those most vulnerable in our community and ensure that no one goes hungry in our society. Through initiatives like “Pay It Forward” and our support for key policy asks, we are making strides towards a Scotland free from poverty.
Remember, every little bit helps, and no act of kindness is ever too small. Whether it’s paying a little extra at the cafe, donating to our cause, or simply spreading the word, your contribution is vital in this collective effort. And remember, when you ‘Pay It Forward’, you’re not just helping one person, you’re fuelling a chain reaction of kindness that has the power to make a real difference.
Let’s rise to the occasion this Challenge Poverty Week and beyond. Let’s keep the conversation, action, and kindness going. Together, we can challenge and overcome poverty, creating a better future for all of Scotland.
